Patrick Dangerfield's incredible performance against Hawthorn did not go unnoticed on Friday night, with the coaches awarding him a perfect 10 votes in the Preliminary Final. 

The Cats skipper was simply unstoppable collecting a season-high 31 disposals, bullocking his way through the midfield and amassing eight clearances, while also pushing forward to kick three crucial goals. 

Finishing with 13 score involvements and nine inside 50s, the result was one of the greatest Finals performances in the game's history as Dangerfield guided his team to another Grand Final berth. 

Mark Blicavs received another six votes to take his tally to 11 for the 2025 Finals series, playing another instrumental role in the ruck and keeping Hawthorn's midfield accountable. 

The versatile star collected 12 disposals, 29 hit-outs and four clearances, laying an equal game-high 11 tackles and kicking a pivotal goal in the second quarter.  

Bailey Smith also received six votes from the coaches following his brilliant display through the midfield, amassing a game-high 36 disposals and six clearances to continue his phenomenal season. 

The star on-baller utilised his running power to generate plenty of Geelong's ball movement, kicking a brilliant goal in the final term to put the cherry on top of a stellar victory. 

Gryan Miers was awarded four votes from the coaches, collecting 27 disposals and barely wasting a possession against the Hawks, going at a very impressive 93% disposals efficiency. 

The crafty Cat amassed an incredible 14 score involvements and six intercept possessions, dishing off four direct goal assists in a sensational display. 

Jeremy Cameron received two votes from the coaches, taking nine marks and kicking three goals against the Hawks while also roaming up the ground to help spark Geelong's ball movement. 

Tyson Stengle was the final Cat to finish in the votes, receiving one vote after collecting 15 disposals, nine score involvements and three goals on Friday night. 

The Gary Ayres Award is presented in recognition of the player adjudged the best across the finals series, as voted by the coaches. Votes in the Grand Final receive a 1.5 times loading.

2025 Gary Ayres Award | Geelong Cats v Hawthorn Votes

2025 Gary Ayres Award | Overall Leaderboard